Telurion seemed to relax slightly, as most of the gathered group accepted his offer to pay the round of drinks - "Here, here" - he raised his mug to join them in a salute, then took a large gulp from the foaming ale.
“Count me in.” He said more than satisfied with getting some free drink. Happy?“You’re more of a front-liner, I take?”The rogue mentioned pointing to fighter’s shield.
"I think I am yes"- Telurion replied to Kress, after pondering for a second - "Never gave it much thought from that perspective, but I think I kind of gravitated in that direction, not sure why myself" - he added.
[You all spend the evening in your rooms and get a good night's sleep. Belwar, you dream of ancient gnome wizards building mysterious magical forges and wake up excited. Each of you has an excellent breakfast and, after eating, you find a heavily-loaded cart with two oxen outside. The load is covered with a sheet of burlap. The wagon only has two seats--one for the driver and one for a passenger--so three of you will have to either walk or sit atop the load. You start out Neverwinter's gate and down the high road in the springtime sun.
The next two days are uneventful as you travel down the High Road in the direction of Waterdeep. {See the post below for the map.} The road is busy, well-finished, and patrolled by the Redcloaks of the Lords' Alliance. For those of you used to law-abiding civilization, it feels safe. For those of you used to living outside the law, the heavily-patrolled nature of the area chafes a little bit. Two and a half days of travel later, you're ready to turn east, away from the High Road's manicured environs and onto the Triboar Trail, which is a rough track wide enough for maybe a cart and a half. Bandits and packs of wild animals have been rumored to lurk along the trail. You decide to wait until the next morning, then take the cart down the trail. You've got a few hours of daylight left before you make camp right at the turnoff onto the Triboar.
The night passes uneventfully, and as the next day dawns, you start down the Triboar Trail towards Phandalin...]
Who's driving the wagon? Who's riding? Who's walking and where?
And Belwar, what's your reaction to the cube? What have you told your fellow travelers, if anything? Any conversations that anybody wants to have along the road?
-----
MEANWHILE, a cutscene. Your characters have no idea of this, but to set the scene for the players a little bit.
[Back on the day our heroes left Neverwinter, INT, DAY]
A man in guard's uniform leads a hooded figure towards a vault in a Neverwinter bank. He pulls a set of keys off his belt, opens the door, and walks in. The hooded figure waits outside. The man rifles through the vault, which is full of artifacts, treasures, and the like sitting in a shockingly disorganized fashion. After about fifteen minutes of searching, he shakes his head and walks back to the hooded figure waiting outside. They appear to not have moved a muscle as they wait for the man to rifle through the vault. He looks up at the hooded figure.
FIGURE: "Ah, I see we are too late. Zey appear to 'ave taken it out already. Well, Monteith, I suppose we will just 'ave to 'ave someone meet zem along ze way.."
The guard's face ripples and shifts into a totally smooth, gray shape with large light eyes. He nods, and the two figures turn to leave. The hooded figure waves a hand, and the door of the vault slams shut.
Daveth will take the reigns this day, having done his fair share of walking. He will sit with one arm draped over the backrest and the other holding the reigns in his lap. He'll occasionally flick the reigns with his wrist as he talks with whoever is riding with him at the moment. Around a campfire one night during the trip, Daveth will have told the rest a story from his youth about his first quest, "I was a young man, barely out of my initiate's robes and into a too-large set of chain mail. Having heard stories of banditry along the Long Road outside Amphail, I grabbed by mace and my shield and set out to convince the miscreants to turn from their unscrupulous ways. I spent three days sleeping in the dirt and eating dried foods before calling it quits and heading back to Amphail. I came to find a set of woman's clothing in the brush next to the road where there wasn't any only hours before, so I decided to investigate. About fifty yards from the road was a pool of water. A woman was swimming. She must've heard me coming because she was looking right at me when I saw her. I apologized and said I saw the clothes and thought someone might need help. She smiled and tossed her wet hair over her shoulder, then began wringing it out. I'd never seen someone so pretty in my whole life. Then she invited me to join her and well..." His cheeks grow red as he says this, "Suffice it to say I wasn't thinking of my vows by that point. I undressed and waded in to join her. She smiled and then dove below the water. When she surfaced she was holding a loaded crossbow. There were two others with her, I didn't even hear them come out of wherever they were hiding. They took everything I had and left me naked in the water. Turns out I had found the bandits I was looking for, only I was probably more encouragement to continue their misdeeds than anything else."
Although I am incredibly eager to talk about the cube and my dreams, it is best to wait until we are alone on the road. “Good morning everyone. I have some information about the *whispers* you know what *returns to normal volume*, but I’ll fill you in on the road. Speaking of which….do you guys mind if I ride in the cart?” I look down at my legs and uncomfortable boots. “Short legs, ha.”
Once we are on the road I will inform my companions of some of the information I gleaned from the cube, pausing anytime another traveler or patrol gets close on the road. “This cube is related to the Phandelver's Pact, a group of ancient gnomish wizards who sought out to create powerful magics and magic items via something they called “The Forge of Spells. It is best if we keep this information to ourselves. I only shared it out of respect for the danger we could be putting ourselves in and felt everyone should be aware.” I will enjoy any small talk along the way, always keeping a cheerful attitude. I will listen to Daveth intently as he shares his story, but I am far to nervous to share any of my own yet.
Ammus walked near the back of the group, eyeing the woods on either side of the group. He was glad to be away from the Redcloaks, whose cold and intimidating stares seemed to terrify Ammus, or so his fellow travelers would think when they looked at him. Once they reached the woods, his hard demeanor melted away as a smile crept onto his scaly face. "I'm home," he whispered. Ammus' strides gradually grew longer, until he reached the front. Over hearing the gnome, he chuckled. "Ah, yes, that's why I didn't recognize it. I'm the one you go to when it comes to how many ways a flower can kill you, not an ancient gnome guild. My name's Ammus. I appreciate the information. I would much rather know why I'm going to be killed." He smiled in spite himself. "So, creating new spells, huh? Usually that's a sorcerer move, right? Wouldn't that be kinda of dangerous?"
“Well…what the Forge does exactly isn’t really clear, but there were some MAJOR battles over it so it must have been pretty powerful. Historically, most artifacts of power are eventually weaponized by civilization, so I might have jumped to a few conclusions in my assessment. Either way, this cube is related to some powerful, and dangerous, magic. The arcane arts can be volatile, even with centuries of study. We must take great care with this artifact and any others we might find or encounter.”
[The Triboar Trail is significantly less travelled than the High Road. There are no patrols here, and the path is broad enough for two wagons at its widest. At its narrowest point, the tamped-down dirt road is barely wide enough for one large wagon. It takes all of Daveth's concentration to keep the oxen from straying off the narrow path, but he manages to do so. Belwar sits next to him, watching the cleric drive while simultaneously glancing at his books. Ammus walks behind the wagon, enjoying the smell of the trees and the lovely spring weather. Telurion drifts near the side of the wagon, keeping a watchful eye out.
After roughly half a day of travel off the High Road, and about another half a day from Phandalin, you come to a place where the woods press close to the trail with a steep embankment to your right and dense thickets on either side. As you round the bend, Kress spots two large dark shapes across the path in front of you. As you get closer, to about 50 feet from the shapes, you realize that they're horses. Each is peppered with roughly half a dozen black-feathered arrows. The path is fully blocked by the dead horses, which lie across the narrowest section where the trees press nearest to the tamped-down dirt of the Triboar Trail.]
What would you all like to do? You're currently ~ 50-55 feet from the dead horses in the road.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
This one is used to fighting, Kress inferred from Telurion’s answer. That was a good sign. Made it easier to picture a fight besides the rest of the group. The warrior could take the van, the rogue could flank the enemies with him and employ his sneak attack while the cleric ensured healing and support. The dragonborn carried a longbow so he could rain damage with spellcaster from the rear. Maybe we don’t need to worry about thieves, he pondered in… High spirits?
“A natural.” The pureblood spoke to Telurion as if looking for a better term. Not finding one he let it slide and heard the histories Daveth had to share. Soon after the follow of Lathander left the table, he bid his own farewells and retired for the nigh.
The next day their departed after the best meal he had in a long time. Not that he was starving, the food was just that good. The cart had space for but two and he was about to ask who in the group had more skill driving when Daveth took the reins. Belwar asked to take the remaining seat and Kress voiced his agreement. A group was just as fast as its slower member, so it would be faster to have the gnome in the vehicle. Didn’t take long for the company to reach the High Road and the presence of the Red Cloaks was equal parts reassuring and unnerving. Nothing close to what the gnome had to say about the mysterious cube.
“Myself, I would rather not die, but it is definitely good to know that we may have a brighter target on our backs.”He said caring less about the Forge of Spells and more about the value of magic items and the lengths certain folk would go to acquire them. Anxiety?“We’ll need to be even more alert.”
The talks by the fire were far less tense and he found himself genuinely enjoying Dawnbringer’s history. Laughing, actually and honestly laughing because of it.
“Sorry for the laugh.” He hurried to say as soon as he noticed that he could be offending the man. “Didn’t know clerics of Lathander had to make a vow of celibacy.”
The peace lasted for two days and the best part of a third. As they round the bend in Triboar, Kress notices two shapes in the distance. Horses, the rogue understood as the group got closer. Each one showered by arrows. Dead horses in a trail could mean only one thing.
“Stop the cart.”First he whispers. “Stop the cart!” Then repeats in a tone audible to the cleric. “This is an ambush point. We may be surrounded.”Anxiety? No, it was something stronger. “Look around. Do you see anyone?” He asks the group, searching with his eyes for the presence of any assailant.
Oh no, oh no, oh no. Get yourself together, Belwar. You can't lose your cool the first time you see something slightly dangerous! Upon seeing the arrows, I will assume some sort of danger is nearby. I reach down to tighten the leather straps around my boots, when I do so a slight shimmer of arcane energy surrounds my body as I cast mage armor (raising my AC to 15). I will attempt to hide behind some cover in the wagon as well. "Um....those are horses...and they're dead. With arrows. Humanoids have to shoot arrows...on purpose." After saying this out loud, I realize that I'm rambling out my internal nervous thoughts, likely embarrassing myself in front of these battle ready adventurers. I will scan the treeline around us in an attempt to sense any danger.
Perception: 7
Stealth (if allowed when crawling in the wagon): 13
Daveth will smile at Kress and say,"Well, we don't take strict vows of celibacy, though Lathander is a deity of birth and promiscuous intercourse could be considered an affront to his glory. My peers at the temple would certainly have deemed it so."
Upon finding the dead horses Daveth will stop the cart and set the brake if there is one. He will then draw his mace and shield. Daveth will cautiously approach the horses with shield raised, looking for survivors or potential threats.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After enjoying their drinks together, Telurion went mostly silent as the others retired one by one - clearly he wanted to be left as the last one at the table, grabbing the opportunity to be alone with his thoughts.
On the road he walked casually near one of the sides of the wagon, listening in on the conversation - "Thank you for sharing with us the details of this... Phandelver Pact" - he commented to Belwar - "It is always best to know who or what is in your charge, even if we cannot make much of it at this point in time"
As the horses came into view, his senses became more alert, and even more so at the warning from Kress - he surveyed the area around them attentively.
[None of you notice anything amiss. The horses are sprawled about 50 feet ahead of you and are completely blocking the road, which is the only way to Phandalin.]
Aside from a few rats and other pest, this is the first time I’ve actually seen something dead. I’m too scared to come out of hiding, but also too committed to prove myself to do nothing. I will continue to hide, but be ready to react the second something seems amiss. A set of small sparks begin to pass between the fingertips of my right index and middle finger as I prepare to cast fire bolt at the first thing that moves that isn’t one of my friends.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ammus stayed by the cart, and pulled out his javelin. He surveyed the trees, looking for any unnatural movement. "Careful,"he whispered. "I suspect an ambush gone wrong."
Kress centers his attention on the trail in front of the group, the surrounding woods, every and any bush high enough to hide an ambusher. He looks any strange move, any glimpse of steel reflecting sunlight. Nothing. He sees absolutely nothing. For a moment that makes he feel relief. Maybe there was nothing to see. But then he sees Daveth and Telurion advancing, their shields raised, and notices the fact that they simply not be able to detect enemies still laying in wait.
“Let’s move past the horses, without the cart.” He suggested getting his shortbow and preparing an arrow on its string. “That should put us on the back of any ambushers.”Then they would become the ambushers. The risk alone should be enough to force any enemy into action as they reached the fallen beasts. “I will try to use you guys as cover to launch a sneak attack.” He warned starting to crouch behind the shield bearers, unsure if this was enough to hide him. Halflings employed a similar strategy, but they were considerably smaller than the pureblood. If only I could become invisible. He thought readying to attack the first thing besides his companions to appear into his range.
Notes: Kress take cover behind Daveth and Telurion, trying to hide (in order to trigger sneak attack). He then ready an attack with his short bow with the trigger being any creature that not one of his companions (Rockseeker and his bodyguard included) appearing into his range (80ft).
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
[As you all look around and see nothing but trees, you begin making your way towards the downed horses. Daveth and Telurion, you make your way towards the horses and something catches your eye--a map case on the ground, ripped open. It has three embroidered picks and a large "G" on it. It appears that the strap has been broken and the bag torn.
Ammus, as you move forward, you think that, just for a second, you spot something in the woods. Before you can say anything at all, an arrow flies out of the woods on your left, past Kress' head and into the tree next to him.
23
Before any of you have a chance to react, four goblins come out of the trees on either side. Three of them have bows raised, and one has a scimitar out and pointed at Kress. Each of the three goblins with bow out takes an arrow shot at one of you!
Attack against Daveth: Attack: 6 Damage: 8
Attack against Telurion: Attack: 5 Damage: 6
Attack against Ammus: Attack: 16 Damage: 7
The goblin with a scimitar rushes forward and attacks Kress!
Attack against Kress: Attack: 22 Damage: 7
The goblins with bows are about 30 feet from all of you; the goblin with a scimitar is right in front of Kress.]
Belwar, make your readied attack, then I need everyone to roll for initiative! Belwar, you'll be going first this round and skipping whatever turn you roll; afterwards, you'll be taking your turn in initiative order. Please post what you want to do on your first turn in your initiative post (IE "If I go before X, I want to do Y, if I go after X, I want to do Z."). I want to try Theater of the Mind for this one and see how it goes, but I'll post maps for other combats. I can try a map for this one later and see how it goes if necessary. Kress, do you still want to make the attack you said?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As soon as the first arrow flies past Ammus I look at the top of the ridge to see where the arrow came from. Although there is a goblin on the ground engaged with my new companions, I will aim my fingers up at a goblin on the ridge. I bring my right thumb down to meet my index and middle fingers, then pull it back as a small ball of fire forms in my hand. I toss it at one of the goblins on the ridge. Attack: Attack: 18 Damage: 9
Initiative: 9
Attack was on the southern most goblin on the ridge.
Telurion seemed to relax slightly, as most of the gathered group accepted his offer to pay the round of drinks - "Here, here" - he raised his mug to join them in a salute, then took a large gulp from the foaming ale.
"I think I am yes" - Telurion replied to Kress, after pondering for a second - "Never gave it much thought from that perspective, but I think I kind of gravitated in that direction, not sure why myself" - he added.
[You all spend the evening in your rooms and get a good night's sleep. Belwar, you dream of ancient gnome wizards building mysterious magical forges and wake up excited. Each of you has an excellent breakfast and, after eating, you find a heavily-loaded cart with two oxen outside. The load is covered with a sheet of burlap. The wagon only has two seats--one for the driver and one for a passenger--so three of you will have to either walk or sit atop the load. You start out Neverwinter's gate and down the high road in the springtime sun.
The next two days are uneventful as you travel down the High Road in the direction of Waterdeep. {See the post below for the map.} The road is busy, well-finished, and patrolled by the Redcloaks of the Lords' Alliance. For those of you used to law-abiding civilization, it feels safe. For those of you used to living outside the law, the heavily-patrolled nature of the area chafes a little bit. Two and a half days of travel later, you're ready to turn east, away from the High Road's manicured environs and onto the Triboar Trail, which is a rough track wide enough for maybe a cart and a half. Bandits and packs of wild animals have been rumored to lurk along the trail. You decide to wait until the next morning, then take the cart down the trail. You've got a few hours of daylight left before you make camp right at the turnoff onto the Triboar.
The night passes uneventfully, and as the next day dawns, you start down the Triboar Trail towards Phandalin...]
Who's driving the wagon? Who's riding? Who's walking and where?
And Belwar, what's your reaction to the cube? What have you told your fellow travelers, if anything? Any conversations that anybody wants to have along the road?
-----
MEANWHILE, a cutscene. Your characters have no idea of this, but to set the scene for the players a little bit.
[Back on the day our heroes left Neverwinter, INT, DAY]
A man in guard's uniform leads a hooded figure towards a vault in a Neverwinter bank. He pulls a set of keys off his belt, opens the door, and walks in. The hooded figure waits outside. The man rifles through the vault, which is full of artifacts, treasures, and the like sitting in a shockingly disorganized fashion. After about fifteen minutes of searching, he shakes his head and walks back to the hooded figure waiting outside. They appear to not have moved a muscle as they wait for the man to rifle through the vault. He looks up at the hooded figure.
FIGURE: "Ah, I see we are too late. Zey appear to 'ave taken it out already. Well, Monteith, I suppose we will just 'ave to 'ave someone meet zem along ze way.."
The guard's face ripples and shifts into a totally smooth, gray shape with large light eyes. He nods, and the two figures turn to leave. The hooded figure waves a hand, and the door of the vault slams shut.
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Daveth will take the reigns this day, having done his fair share of walking. He will sit with one arm draped over the backrest and the other holding the reigns in his lap. He'll occasionally flick the reigns with his wrist as he talks with whoever is riding with him at the moment. Around a campfire one night during the trip, Daveth will have told the rest a story from his youth about his first quest, "I was a young man, barely out of my initiate's robes and into a too-large set of chain mail. Having heard stories of banditry along the Long Road outside Amphail, I grabbed by mace and my shield and set out to convince the miscreants to turn from their unscrupulous ways. I spent three days sleeping in the dirt and eating dried foods before calling it quits and heading back to Amphail. I came to find a set of woman's clothing in the brush next to the road where there wasn't any only hours before, so I decided to investigate. About fifty yards from the road was a pool of water. A woman was swimming. She must've heard me coming because she was looking right at me when I saw her. I apologized and said I saw the clothes and thought someone might need help. She smiled and tossed her wet hair over her shoulder, then began wringing it out. I'd never seen someone so pretty in my whole life. Then she invited me to join her and well..." His cheeks grow red as he says this, "Suffice it to say I wasn't thinking of my vows by that point. I undressed and waded in to join her. She smiled and then dove below the water. When she surfaced she was holding a loaded crossbow. There were two others with her, I didn't even hear them come out of wherever they were hiding. They took everything I had and left me naked in the water. Turns out I had found the bandits I was looking for, only I was probably more encouragement to continue their misdeeds than anything else."
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Although I am incredibly eager to talk about the cube and my dreams, it is best to wait until we are alone on the road. “Good morning everyone. I have some information about the *whispers* you know what *returns to normal volume*, but I’ll fill you in on the road. Speaking of which….do you guys mind if I ride in the cart?” I look down at my legs and uncomfortable boots. “Short legs, ha.”
Once we are on the road I will inform my companions of some of the information I gleaned from the cube, pausing anytime another traveler or patrol gets close on the road.
“This cube is related to the Phandelver's Pact, a group of ancient gnomish wizards who sought out to create powerful magics and magic items via something they called “The Forge of Spells. It is best if we keep this information to ourselves. I only shared it out of respect for the danger we could be putting ourselves in and felt everyone should be aware.”
I will enjoy any small talk along the way, always keeping a cheerful attitude. I will listen to Daveth intently as he shares his story, but I am far to nervous to share any of my own yet.
Ammus walked near the back of the group, eyeing the woods on either side of the group. He was glad to be away from the Redcloaks, whose cold and intimidating stares seemed to terrify Ammus, or so his fellow travelers would think when they looked at him. Once they reached the woods, his hard demeanor melted away as a smile crept onto his scaly face. "I'm home," he whispered. Ammus' strides gradually grew longer, until he reached the front. Over hearing the gnome, he chuckled. "Ah, yes, that's why I didn't recognize it. I'm the one you go to when it comes to how many ways a flower can kill you, not an ancient gnome guild. My name's Ammus. I appreciate the information. I would much rather know why I'm going to be killed." He smiled in spite himself. "So, creating new spells, huh? Usually that's a sorcerer move, right? Wouldn't that be kinda of dangerous?"
I am the head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms and conditions
*smacks table* DRAGONS
Genius is merely insanity channeled correctly
“Well…what the Forge does exactly isn’t really clear, but there were some MAJOR battles over it so it must have been pretty powerful. Historically, most artifacts of power are eventually weaponized by civilization, so I might have jumped to a few conclusions in my assessment. Either way, this cube is related to some powerful, and dangerous, magic. The arcane arts can be volatile, even with centuries of study. We must take great care with this artifact and any others we might find or encounter.”
[The Triboar Trail is significantly less travelled than the High Road. There are no patrols here, and the path is broad enough for two wagons at its widest. At its narrowest point, the tamped-down dirt road is barely wide enough for one large wagon. It takes all of Daveth's concentration to keep the oxen from straying off the narrow path, but he manages to do so. Belwar sits next to him, watching the cleric drive while simultaneously glancing at his books. Ammus walks behind the wagon, enjoying the smell of the trees and the lovely spring weather. Telurion drifts near the side of the wagon, keeping a watchful eye out.
After roughly half a day of travel off the High Road, and about another half a day from Phandalin, you come to a place where the woods press close to the trail with a steep embankment to your right and dense thickets on either side. As you round the bend, Kress spots two large dark shapes across the path in front of you. As you get closer, to about 50 feet from the shapes, you realize that they're horses. Each is peppered with roughly half a dozen black-feathered arrows. The path is fully blocked by the dead horses, which lie across the narrowest section where the trees press nearest to the tamped-down dirt of the Triboar Trail.]
What would you all like to do? You're currently ~ 50-55 feet from the dead horses in the road.
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver
This one is used to fighting, Kress inferred from Telurion’s answer. That was a good sign. Made it easier to picture a fight besides the rest of the group. The warrior could take the van, the rogue could flank the enemies with him and employ his sneak attack while the cleric ensured healing and support. The dragonborn carried a longbow so he could rain damage with spellcaster from the rear. Maybe we don’t need to worry about thieves, he pondered in… High spirits?
“A natural.” The pureblood spoke to Telurion as if looking for a better term. Not finding one he let it slide and heard the histories Daveth had to share. Soon after the follow of Lathander left the table, he bid his own farewells and retired for the nigh.
The next day their departed after the best meal he had in a long time. Not that he was starving, the food was just that good. The cart had space for but two and he was about to ask who in the group had more skill driving when Daveth took the reins. Belwar asked to take the remaining seat and Kress voiced his agreement. A group was just as fast as its slower member, so it would be faster to have the gnome in the vehicle. Didn’t take long for the company to reach the High Road and the presence of the Red Cloaks was equal parts reassuring and unnerving. Nothing close to what the gnome had to say about the mysterious cube.
“Myself, I would rather not die, but it is definitely good to know that we may have a brighter target on our backs.” He said caring less about the Forge of Spells and more about the value of magic items and the lengths certain folk would go to acquire them. Anxiety? “We’ll need to be even more alert.”
The talks by the fire were far less tense and he found himself genuinely enjoying Dawnbringer’s history. Laughing, actually and honestly laughing because of it.
“Sorry for the laugh.” He hurried to say as soon as he noticed that he could be offending the man. “Didn’t know clerics of Lathander had to make a vow of celibacy.”
The peace lasted for two days and the best part of a third. As they round the bend in Triboar, Kress notices two shapes in the distance. Horses, the rogue understood as the group got closer. Each one showered by arrows. Dead horses in a trail could mean only one thing.
“Stop the cart.” First he whispers. “Stop the cart!” Then repeats in a tone audible to the cleric. “This is an ambush point. We may be surrounded.” Anxiety? No, it was something stronger. “Look around. Do you see anyone?” He asks the group, searching with his eyes for the presence of any assailant.
Perception Check: 20
Oh no, oh no, oh no. Get yourself together, Belwar. You can't lose your cool the first time you see something slightly dangerous! Upon seeing the arrows, I will assume some sort of danger is nearby. I reach down to tighten the leather straps around my boots, when I do so a slight shimmer of arcane energy surrounds my body as I cast mage armor (raising my AC to 15). I will attempt to hide behind some cover in the wagon as well. "Um....those are horses...and they're dead. With arrows. Humanoids have to shoot arrows...on purpose." After saying this out loud, I realize that I'm rambling out my internal nervous thoughts, likely embarrassing myself in front of these battle ready adventurers. I will scan the treeline around us in an attempt to sense any danger.
Perception: 7
Stealth (if allowed when crawling in the wagon): 13
Daveth will smile at Kress and say, "Well, we don't take strict vows of celibacy, though Lathander is a deity of birth and promiscuous intercourse could be considered an affront to his glory. My peers at the temple would certainly have deemed it so."
Upon finding the dead horses Daveth will stop the cart and set the brake if there is one. He will then draw his mace and shield. Daveth will cautiously approach the horses with shield raised, looking for survivors or potential threats.
Perception: 6
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
After enjoying their drinks together, Telurion went mostly silent as the others retired one by one - clearly he wanted to be left as the last one at the table, grabbing the opportunity to be alone with his thoughts.
On the road he walked casually near one of the sides of the wagon, listening in on the conversation - "Thank you for sharing with us the details of this... Phandelver Pact" - he commented to Belwar - "It is always best to know who or what is in your charge, even if we cannot make much of it at this point in time"
As the horses came into view, his senses became more alert, and even more so at the warning from Kress - he surveyed the area around them attentively.
Perception: 19
[None of you notice anything amiss. The horses are sprawled about 50 feet ahead of you and are completely blocking the road, which is the only way to Phandalin.]
What would you all like to do?
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver
Daveth continues to approach, shield raised, confident that the others have his back.
DM I The Forge of Fey Fury
Palifwan "Pal" Turnipson I Level 0 Harengon I Hero's Journey
Aside from a few rats and other pest, this is the first time I’ve actually seen something dead. I’m too scared to come out of hiding, but also too committed to prove myself to do nothing. I will continue to hide, but be ready to react the second something seems amiss. A set of small sparks begin to pass between the fingertips of my right index and middle finger as I prepare to cast fire bolt at the first thing that moves that isn’t one of my friends.
Ammus stayed by the cart, and pulled out his javelin. He surveyed the trees, looking for any unnatural movement. "Careful," he whispered. "I suspect an ambush gone wrong."
Perception (doubled due to Favored Terrain): 22
I am the head of comms of the "oops, i accidently destroyed someone's brain" cult here is our terms and conditions
*smacks table* DRAGONS
Genius is merely insanity channeled correctly
Telurion accompanies Daveth, shield drawn.
Kress centers his attention on the trail in front of the group, the surrounding woods, every and any bush high enough to hide an ambusher. He looks any strange move, any glimpse of steel reflecting sunlight. Nothing. He sees absolutely nothing. For a moment that makes he feel relief. Maybe there was nothing to see. But then he sees Daveth and Telurion advancing, their shields raised, and notices the fact that they simply not be able to detect enemies still laying in wait.
“Let’s move past the horses, without the cart.” He suggested getting his shortbow and preparing an arrow on its string. “That should put us on the back of any ambushers.” Then they would become the ambushers. The risk alone should be enough to force any enemy into action as they reached the fallen beasts. “I will try to use you guys as cover to launch a sneak attack.” He warned starting to crouch behind the shield bearers, unsure if this was enough to hide him. Halflings employed a similar strategy, but they were considerably smaller than the pureblood. If only I could become invisible. He thought readying to attack the first thing besides his companions to appear into his range.
Notes: Kress take cover behind Daveth and Telurion, trying to hide (in order to trigger sneak attack). He then ready an attack with his short bow with the trigger being any creature that not one of his companions (Rockseeker and his bodyguard included) appearing into his range (80ft).
Stealth (if applicable): 19
Short Bow attack: 8
Attack Damage: 9
Sneak Attack (if applicable): 5
[As you all look around and see nothing but trees, you begin making your way towards the downed horses. Daveth and Telurion, you make your way towards the horses and something catches your eye--a map case on the ground, ripped open. It has three embroidered picks and a large "G" on it. It appears that the strap has been broken and the bag torn.
Ammus, as you move forward, you think that, just for a second, you spot something in the woods. Before you can say anything at all, an arrow flies out of the woods on your left, past Kress' head and into the tree next to him.
23
Before any of you have a chance to react, four goblins come out of the trees on either side. Three of them have bows raised, and one has a scimitar out and pointed at Kress. Each of the three goblins with bow out takes an arrow shot at one of you!
Attack against Daveth: Attack: 6 Damage: 8
Attack against Telurion: Attack: 5 Damage: 6
Attack against Ammus: Attack: 16 Damage: 7
The goblin with a scimitar rushes forward and attacks Kress!
Attack against Kress: Attack: 22 Damage: 7
The goblins with bows are about 30 feet from all of you; the goblin with a scimitar is right in front of Kress.]
Belwar, make your readied attack, then I need everyone to roll for initiative! Belwar, you'll be going first this round and skipping whatever turn you roll; afterwards, you'll be taking your turn in initiative order. Please post what you want to do on your first turn in your initiative post (IE "If I go before X, I want to do Y, if I go after X, I want to do Z."). I want to try Theater of the Mind for this one and see how it goes, but I'll post maps for other combats. I can try a map for this one later and see how it goes if necessary. Kress, do you still want to make the attack you said?
Let me know if you all have any questions.
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver
As soon as the first arrow flies past Ammus I look at the top of the ridge to see where the arrow came from. Although there is a goblin on the ground engaged with my new companions, I will aim my fingers up at a goblin on the ridge. I bring my right thumb down to meet my index and middle fingers, then pull it back as a small ball of fire forms in my hand. I toss it at one of the goblins on the ridge.
Attack: Attack: 18 Damage: 9
Initiative: 9
Attack was on the southern most goblin on the ridge.
Sorry the map is small! Just to give you an idea.
DM: In the Shadow of the Mountains: Lost Mine of Phandelver